Micropollutants

Introduction

The MICROPOL group of the CES&T brings together several UGent research groups working on the occurrence, analytics, behavior, distribution, toxicity, risks and treatment of micropollutants in the environment (water, air, soil).

Micropollutants (including emerging contaminants) are of increasing worldwide concern and consist of a wide range of anthropogenic and natural substances, including trace elements (metals and metalloids), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals, and hormones. Micropollutants are typically present in the environment at (ultra-)trace concentrations. Their low concentration often complicates analysis, treatment, and risk assessment, not the least because they often occur in complex mixtures and matrices.

Research groups

The MICROPOL group of the CES&T currently brings together 7 research groups (and their expertise):